Costa Rica is set to start construction this year on a new maximum-security prison modeled after El Salvador’s high-profile mega-prison, Justice Minister Gerald Campos announced on Wednesday. The facility, named the Center for High Containment of Organized Crime (CACCO), is designed to house 5,100 inmates, representing a 40% increase in the country’s prison capacity.
Costa Rica, long regarded as one of the safest nations in Central America, has been grappling with a surge in homicides attributed to drug-linked gangs. In 2023, the country recorded its highest-ever homicide rate, and security has become a top concern for voters ahead of nationwide elections in 2026.
Salvadoran authorities will provide technical assistance for CACCO. Campos said the overpopulation in existing facilities—nearly 30% above capacity—threatens the ability to detain gang leaders effectively, insisting that failure to act could lead to system collapse, internal conflicts, hostage-taking, and riots.
The plan marks a major shift in Costa Rica’s approach to organized crime and corrections, reflecting El Salvador’s model as a central element of its crime crackdown. If completed as planned, CACCO would significantly expand the country’s ability to contain high-risk prisoners and disrupt criminal networks.
Analysts note that mega-prisons require careful management, robust security, and ongoing reform to avoid human rights concerns and ensure successful rehabilitation. The project will likely be evaluated in the coming years against its impact on crime containment, inmate treatment, and the experience of corrections staff.
Summary: Costa Rica will launch construction this year on a large maximum-security prison, CACCO, designed to hold 5,100 inmates and to increase national capacity by about 40%. The facility draws on El Salvador’s mega-prison model and comes as the country faces its highest homicide rate on record and growing public security concerns ahead of the 2026 elections.
Comment: The move signals a decisive step toward addressing overcrowding and organized crime through modern detention infrastructure, with Salvadoran technical aid potentially accelerating capacity and expertise. If paired with strong governance, staff training, and rehabilitation programs, CACCO could contribute to improved public safety and a more sustainable corrections system.
Potential positive spin: While ambitious, the CACCO project could help Costa Rica regain control over its prison system, reduce the influence of incarcerated leaders on criminal networks, and reassure a public anxious about safety in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
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